Longwood produced a much-improved performance on Thursday evening, ultimately losing out by just 2 points to a talented Ratoath team.

Both halves followed a similar pattern with Ratoath shading the opening 15 minutes before Longwood established control and finished much the stronger.

If Longwood had enjoyed the benefit of having their county stars available (as many clubs had earlier in the week) then they would likely have run out comfortable winners. Alas, it was not to be. But the boys who took to the field, displayed typical Longwood grit and determination and this, allied with an amount of skillful football, will have given the home supporters hope for the coming months.

As always Ryan Moore was in fine scoring form and he was ably supported by Sean Coloe, his brother Thomas and Gavin Griffith. In additions, there were some trademark lung-bursting runs from Niall Mulvey and the returning Fearghail O’Hare.

Longwood’s management team of Noel Kerrigan and Aaron Ennis will know there is lots of room for improvement, but the potential is also evident.

Longwood: Kevin Maguire, Cathal Campbell, Bob Maguire, Coyle O’Brien, Adam O’Brien, Niall Mulvey, Ciaran Sheridan, Fearghail O’Hare (0-1), Sean Coloe (0-1), Gavin Griffith (1-0), Ryan Moore (1-6), Thomas Coloe (0-1), Anthony Healy, Ross Kerrigan, David Coloe. Subs: Josh Meagher for David Coloe, Louis Butler for Anthony Healy, Sam Dixon for Adam O’Brien, Dean Keogh, Sam King, Mark Kennedy.

Longwood’s Premier Championship footballers take centre stage at the weekend when they travel to Moylagh on Sunday @ 12:00